Maurice "Marty" Rogers

His Journey Maurice Rogers was born on June 8, 1965, in Wilmington, Delaware to Alexandra Jean Whye and Leonard Gatson, Jr. From the very beginning, Maurice carried a spirit that could not be ignored — a presence that filled every space he entered. His life was deeply influenced by the love of his parents and by the wisdom and nurturing of his grandmother, the late Corine Gatson. He was also preceded in death by Ida Mae Rogers-Stallings, grandmother, Walter O. Rogers, Jr. and Leonard Gatson, Sr., grandfathers, and Taneeka Bowers, companion of 14 years. On February 22, 2026, Maurice peacefully transitioned, leaving this earthly life on his own terms, surrounded by love and the lasting impact of a life well lived. Maurice possessed a rare gift: the ability to walk into a room and instantly light it up. His calm yet confident demeanor brought reassurance to everyone around him. Without saying a word, he made people feel that everything would be alright. His energy was magnetic — contagious in the best way — and anyone fortunate enough to encounter him left feeling uplifted, encouraged and seen. A proud Howard High School Wildcat, Maurice was widely known for his basketball talent and competitive spirit. On the court, he earned the nickname “Ice,” because when pressure rose, Maurice remained ice cold — composed, focused, and unstoppable. That same cool confidence defined how he lived his life. Maurice was more than an athlete; he was a blessing placed in many lives and many roles. Whether as a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, mentor, or protector, he showed up authentically and lived life unapologetically on his own terms. He believed in strength, loyalty, laughter, and perseverance, freely uplifting those around him. He was a true uplifter — a ball of energy whose presence alone could shift the atmosphere of an entire room. Maurice didn’t simply exist among people; he empowered them. His life stands as proof that impact is measured not by time, but by the lives forever changed along the way. Maurice was preceded in death by his cherished grandparents, beloved siblings, Vida Neysa Rogers, Ronald Quincy Rogers, and Alexandra Jean “Twiggy” Rogers, his partner Teneka Bowers and loved ones who welcomed him home. Maurice’s legacy lives on through his loving children: Jamaur Johnson, Maurice Bowen, Maraya Malone, Brianna Rogers, and Jada Coverdale. His parents Alexandra Jean Whye and Leonard Gatson, Jr. He also leaves to cherish his memory his beloved grandchildren: Justis Johnson, Jionni Johnson, Jovi Johnson, Jackson Bowen, Nathan Bowen, Joseph Malone, Christopher Malone, A’Nylah Salandy, and Jade Coverdale, his siblings: Tonia Bell, Richard “Che” Dyton, Darnell Patton, Tanya Jackson-Jeffcoat, Kelly Jackson, Shawn Henderson, Da-Kevis Gardner, Leonard Owens, Tyra Chapman, Malik Johnson, Ayesha Gatson-Hall, Kysha Davis, Dashanae Meads, Stephanie Nothlind, Laverne Sutton, and a host of loving brothers and sisters bound by family and lifelong connection. He was surrounded by a loving extended family, including aunts and uncles with whom he shared lifelong, sibling-like connections. He further leaves to cherish his memory a loving circle of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, teammates, classmates, and lifelong friends, all of whom were touched by his warmth, strength, and unforgettable spirit. Though he may no longer walk among us physically, the light he carried continues to shine through every life he touched. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

Maurice "Marty" Rogers

June 8, 1965 - February 24, 2026